The Exploding HeartsShattered

Packed with unlimited potential, the Exploding Hearts name came to fruition for their mushrooming fan base on July 20, 2003 when three of the four band members died in a tragic van crash (guitarist Terry Six and manager Ratch Ramos were the only survivors). Having just released their now-classic Guitar Romantic debut that year, it was gut-wrenching news, especially considering these guys were literally the illegitimate lovechild of the New York Dolls and Buzzcocks. The aptly named Shattered is a final farewell to the Oregon-based outfit, collecting what remained in their catalogue alongside their singles. The first half of this compilation contains unreleased material and non-album tracks, while the second half presents some alternate versions of those songs plus Guitar Romantic cuts. "Shattered (You Left Me) sets the mood with Adam Coxs saccharine snarl summarising the heartbreak of the listener, while favourite single "(Making) Teenage Faces speaks for delinquent youth with indispensable nuisance. Different versions of "Modern Kicks and "Im A Pretender, meanwhile exude enough difference from the originals, but it doesnt really matter considering theyre songs are so infectious hearing them the nth time is like a fresh treat. Also included are some great liner notes and photos in a 20-page booklet, and a video from the bands second to last gig, which is enough incentive alone. Leaving us Shattered, the Exploding Hearts share one last memory of a vital young band just hitting their stride. They will be missed.
(Dirtnap)